How to Replace the Control Arm Bushing on a '93 Camry

The 1993 Toyota Camry is equipped with a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder, or an optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Offered in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon versions, the front-wheel-drive Camry uses MacPherson struts at all four wheels to provide fully independent four-wheel suspension. The lower control arm on the Camry uses two bushings to attach it to the frame and has a removable ball joint.

Instructions

Park the Camry on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you are working. Raise the front of the Camry and support it with jack stands.

Remove the nut from the stabilizer bar link where it attaches to the lower control arm by placing an Allen wrench in the center of the stud and removing the nut with the wrench. Disconnect the link from the control arm.

Remove the two nuts and one bolt that attach the ball joint to the lower control arm with a ratchet and socket. Use a pry bar to pry the control arm away from the ball joint.

Remove the two bolts that hold the front of the control arm to the frame with a ratchet and socket. Remove the nut and bolt that hold the rear of the control arm to the frame with a wrench, ratchet and socket, and remove the control arm. Note the position of the spacer that attaches to the front bushing at the rear bolt.

Take the control arm to a shop with the appropriate tools to press out the old bushings and press in new ones. If the control arm is bent, replace the arm. A new arm comes with bushings installed.

Mount the control arm on the frame and install the front two bolts finger-tight. Do not forget the spacer at the rear bolt. Install the rear nut and bolt. Hold the nut with a wrench and use a torque wrench to torque the bolt to 152 foot-pounds. Torque the two front bolts to 152 foot-pounds.

Join the ball joint to the control arm. Install the nuts on the two ball joint studs and install the bolt into the ball joint. Torque the nuts and bolt to 94 foot-pounds.

Attach the stabilizer bar link to the lower control arm. Install and torque the nut to 47 foot-pounds.

Install the wheel and lug nuts. Raise the front of the Camry, remove the jack stands and lower it to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 76 foot-pounds. Have a wheel alignment performed.